The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission held its 109th Meeting on
May 25, 2026.
At the Meeting, the Board received updates on industry and operational matters as
part of the EVC/CEO Report. The Board further considered key regulatory, strategic
and collaborative issues impacting the telecommunications industry and the broader digital economy. Following extensive deliberations, the following resolutions and
observations were noted:
1. Infrastructure Expansion Commitments by Operators
The Board acknowledged the significant investments being undertaken by the
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to enhance network coverage, capacity and
overall Quality of Experience. As part of their commitment, it was noted that
operators have planned the deployment of over 12,000 additional coverage and
capacity sites towards improving the Quality of Experience, with over 5,000
already completed representing over 40% completion rate.
2. Quality of Service Consumer Compensation and Tower Investment
Obligation
The Board reviewed the outcomes of the consumer-focused directive to MNOs
to compensate subscribers for poor Quality of Service experiences in areas where
prescribed service standards were not met, and the directive to Co-location and
Infrastructure Sharing Licensees (TowerCos) to reinvest regulatory fines into infrastructure upgrades with measurable outcomes with a view to improving network resilience and service.
While noting the progress made to date, the Board emphasized the importance of full compliance to ensure that the intended infrastructure improvements are realized sustainably.
1. Expanding Fibre Infrastructure to Support Data Demand and Quality Service
The Board accepted the report on data consumption trends in Nigeria and noted
that, while demand continues to accelerate, growth has been constrained by limited infrastructure capacity, a heavy dependence on mobile internet connectivity and the duplication of assets, factors that have invariably compromised quality of service.
The Board noted the encouraging growth in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections, which increased from 84,141 subscribers in Q4 2025 to 210,065 subscribers as at Q5 2025. While the number of connections remains modest relative to the scale of national demand, the upward trend reflects growing adoption of fixed broadband services.
1. Addressing Continued Infrastructure Damage
The Board noted the prevailing sectoral challenges affecting the operations of
licensees of the Commission, including infrastructure vandalism, which has
continued to hamper industry growth. The Board acknowledged the efforts by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, However, it emphasised the need for greater collaboration among industry stakeholders to strengthen the protection and security, In this regard, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to fast-tracking initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure security, including exploring the feasibility of establishing a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund.
1. Zero-rating Educational Platforms and Content
The Board assessed the ongoing engagements with industry players towards
developing a framework and determining the best approach to Zero-rate educational platforms and content in the country. The initiative is aimed at promoting digital inclusion, bridging the urban rural divide and improving educational outcomes in the country.
1. Repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute
The Board reviewed the status of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), a company
limited by guarantee, and noted the governance gaps arising from the expiration
of the tenure of the DBI Board Chairman and some Board members. In order to strengthen governance oversight and reposition DBI to contribute to more effectively to Nigeria’s digital economy, the Board approved the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission, as Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board.
The Board further approved the appointment of Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, as interim members of the DBI Governing Board. Furthermore, the appointed made a resolution saying,identifying priorities of Quality of Service and network resilience, consumer protection and transparency, fair competition and market discipline, will continue to be pursued.
